I believe the "missing character" is a man you have to talk to (sitting on a bench?). There was also a magazine sitting on a bench, as well at one point. I did NOT experience any missing characters in my game, InlandAZ.Sandy

KjosI had the same problem and learned that the game has a problem when the inventory is full.

You have to go back to a saved area that you had only a couple of inventory items, then proceed from there. Keep in mind that after you complete the cabin puzzles in the swamp you still must have three inventory spaces vacant in order to get the wine and two glasses in the next chapter

I believe the "missing character" is a man you have to talk to (sitting on a bench?). There was also a magazine sitting on a bench, as well at one point. I did NOT experience any missing characters in my game, InlandAZ.Sandy

As it turns out it was a character from chapter 2, painting a lamp pole (and I was only in chapter 1). Just another in a long list of bugs with this game so far.

Hopefully they'll release a patch, it has the potential for being a pretty good game.

PilotJack - Did you end up using the board from the underground area? I took it, but ended up just carrying around until it disappeared from my inventory.

slk230 - What slider puzzle are you referring to? I don't remember having to do anything with sliders. The garden gnome goes in the front yard of the hotel. There's a small pedestal with two bootprints on it. It's between two of the bushes that line the fence.